Annually, around 1,000 people are dismissed from the military for violation of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Established under President Bill Clinton’s administration in 1993, the law bans those serving from inquiring about another’s sexual preference, and from expressing one’s own sexual orientation.

President Barack Obama has publicly committed to repealing the policy, finding it discriminatory against homosexuals. On Feb. 2, the top two defense officials of the nation called for an end to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

lhsimage.com asked students, staff and parents their opinions about the government’s motions to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

“I think it is due and past due. It is only right to live your life honestly. They’re asking those people to live a lie.”  -language arts and art history teacher Jean Peters

 

 “I think it ought to stay the way it is. It’s really nobody’s business, and it just builds feelings against people.”  -hall monitor and veteran Joe Belfiore

 

 “It’s a touchy situation that really comes down to a battle of individual morals. It shouldn’t be up to the government.”  -Richard Holekamp, 12

 

 “Well, being gay, I think it shouldn’t matter. Just because you’re gay, doesn’t mean you can’t fight.”  -Kyle Kochera, 12

 

 “I think it’s an important step towards equality for gays.”  -Lucas Klein, 12

 

 “If you’re willing to honor your country, your country should honor you. I couldn’t imagine living a lie to my death.”  -Hannah Snyder, 12

 

 “It doesn’t matter who you love. It’s about fighting for your country.”  -Alex Abele, 11

 

 “I think it’s an outdated policy. It’s not good anymore.”  -Alex Eklund, 11